When it comes to drag performances, drag fans seem to have a clear favorite among Martha Stewart, Kris Jenner, and Anna Wintour – Martha Stewart takes the crown according to Ryan Raftery’s “Titans of Media Trilogy.” The trilogy features three separate musicals, each dedicated to one of the famous trio, and Raftery noted a significant difference in interest among the three women.
Raftery revealed that Martha Stewart’s performance has been the best-selling among the three, with sold-out shows to prove her popularity. In comparison, Wintour’s shows have been close to selling out, and Jenner’s performances have been decent but not as successful. Raftery attributes the success of Stewart and Wintour’s shows to their campy and humorous nature, which resonates better with the audience compared to Jenner’s portrayal. Additionally, he pointed out that the Kardashian brand might be overexposed, affecting Jenner’s appeal.
Ryan Raftery’s Journey
Raftery has been portraying Wintour since 2014, created the Martha Stewart show in 2017, and added Jenner to the lineup last year. The three shows have been performed together as part of a residency at Joe’s Pub, attracting a dedicated fan base that includes celebrities like Bernadette Peters, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Patricia Field. The recent residency saw appearances from Sandra Lee, Titus Burgess, and “Traitors” star Peppermint, showcasing the widespread appeal of Raftery’s performances.
Raftery’s shows have drawn in notable personalities like Michael Kors, who attended Stewart’s performance and shared anecdotes about his interactions with the real-life figures portrayed in the show. The backstage meeting between Kors and Raftery led to an impromptu photoshoot with Mary Ellen Mathews, the official photographer of “Saturday Night Live,” capturing the essence of the drag performance. Raftery’s encounters with Stewart at events like Fern Mallis’s conversation series at the 92nd Street Y have highlighted the positive reception of his portrayal, even among Stewart’s close associates.
One interesting observation Raftery made was the impact of having Stewart’s former brand, Sequential Brands, represented in the audience during a performance. He noted that his jokes resonated differently with a significant portion of the audience from Sequential Brands, highlighting the unique dynamic between the performance and its real-life connections.
Ryan Raftery’s “Titans of Media Trilogy” offers a fascinating insight into the world of drag performances and the varying levels of audience appeal among iconic figures like Martha Stewart, Kris Jenner, and Anna Wintour. By infusing wit, humor, and campiness into his shows, Raftery has managed to captivate audiences and attract a loyal following of fans, including celebrities and industry insiders. The success of Stewart’s portrayal, in particular, showcases the enduring charm and popularity of the domestic diva in the world of drag entertainment.